Simple Lemon Garlic Shrimp

Looking for a quick, flavorful dish that can be prepared in under 30 minutes? Simple Lemon Garlic Shrimp is just the recipe you need! This simple yet delicious meal is perfect for a weeknight dinner or casual gathering with friends. The combination of fresh lemon and garlic adds a zesty kick to perfectly cooked shrimp. With this recipe, you will get approximately 4 servings.

Ingredients

• 1 pound large raw shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 3 tablespoons olive oil
• 6 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 lemons, zest and juice (about 2 tbsp)
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped (optional garnish)

Instructions

Start by preheating your oven or stove top as needed. Begin by preparing the shrimp: rinse them thoroughly under cold water. Once the shrimp are clean, pat them dry with paper towels. Set aside.

In a small bowl, combine olive oil, minced garlic, lemon zest and juice in it. Mix all ingredients until well combined. The marinade should be vibrant in color and have a strong lemony scent.

Place the prepared shrimp into the marinade, ensuring that each shrimp is thoroughly coated. Let them sit for at least 10-15 minutes to allow flavors to infuse. During this time you can prepare other components of your meal or simply relax while waiting.

Once ready, heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add the marinated shrimp and cook until they turn pink (about 2-3 minutes per side). Be careful not to overcrowd the pan; cooking in batches if necessary. It is important that each shrimp gets adequate time on both sides so it can develop its full flavor.

As soon as all your shrimp are done, transfer them immediately from the skillet onto a plate lined with paper towels. This helps remove excess oil and keeps your shrimp nice and crisp. Season with salt and pepper to taste before plating.

If desired, garnish with fresh parsley for an extra burst of freshness and color. Serve the lemon garlic shrimp hot alongside steamed vegetables or rice as part of a balanced meal.

Tips & Variations

• For extra zest: You can add some red pepper flakes to give your dish a spicy kick.
• Vary the cooking method: Instead of using an oven, you can also grill these shrimp on medium-high heat for about 3-4 minutes per side until they're nicely charred and cooked through.

Nutritional Information (per serving)

The calorie count may vary slightly based upon ingredients used but here’s a general estimate:

• Calories: Approximately 170 kcal
• Protein: About 45g
• Carbohydrates: Around 2g
• Fat: ~8g (mostly healthy fats from olive oil)

Cooking Time & Servings

This recipe requires approximately 20 minutes of active cooking time and yields about four servings.

Simple Lemon Garlic Shrimp is an excellent choice if you are looking to enjoy a quick yet tasty seafood dish without compromising on flavor. Whether served as part of a light lunch or dinner, this dish promises to delight with its robust lemon-garlic profile complementing the natural sweetness and succulence of shrimp.

Experiment with different garnishes like capers or fresh herbs; feel free to adjust seasoning according to personal preference. Bon Appétit!

About Nutrition

This dish is low in calories, high in protein, making it great for those on a weight management plan. The presence of healthy fats from olive oil contributes positively towards heart health when consumed as part of a balanced diet.